Model optimization
“ | Now that there was a fine piece 'a work.
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— The Engineer on model optimization
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In discussions about model optimization, Level of Detail, or LOD, is often brought up. This article shows the effect of LOD on the polygon count in models. The charts show which models have received optimization updates in the form of LOD and which models are still unoptimized.
Contents
Background
LOD
Main article: LOD
To reduce the number of polygons that need to be rendered in a scene, the Source Engine will render alternate lower-quality models as the distance between the model and camera increase. LOD models are not created dynamically by the engine; instead, all of the levels of lower-quality models must be included in the game files for LOD to be enabled.
Weapons
- Key
- Unoptimized
- Optimized
Cosmetics
- Key
- Unoptimized
- Optimized
Character models
- Chart scale
- 0-10,000
- Note: The lengths of the bars themselves are not to scale with the weapons chart. While the numbers at the end of the bars are comparable, the sizes are not.
Class | Highest quality (polycount) | Lowest quality LOD (polycount) | LOD efficiency |
---|---|---|---|
Demoman | 93.34% | ||
Soldier | 90.38% | ||
Medic | 90.66% | ||
Scout | 79.49% | ||
Engineer | 83.18% | ||
Heavy | 91.94% | ||
Sniper | 84.76% | ||
Spy | 89.46% | ||
Pyro | 87.04% |
Buildings
- Chart scale
- 0-20000
- Key
- Unoptimized
- Optimized
Item | Highest quality (polycount) | Lowest quality LOD (polycount) | LOD efficiency |
---|---|---|---|
Dispenser (Level 3) | 0% | ||
Dispenser (Level 2) | 0% | ||
Sentry Gun (Level 3) | 74.41% | ||
Sentry Gun (Level 2) | 75.66% | ||
Dispenser (Level 1) | 77.45% | ||
Sentry Gun (Level 1) | 83.52% | ||
Teleporters | 59.83% | ||
Sapper (Sentry Gun Level 3) | 80.45% | ||
Sapper (Sentry Gun Level 1) | 80.17% | ||
Sapper (Teleporters) | 81.03% | ||
Sapper (Sentry Gun Level 2) | 80.94% | ||
Sapper (Dispenser) | 80.70% | ||
Wrangler | 0% |
Update history
January 7, 2008 Patch
- Graphics optimizations for mid and low end hardware.
- Added more particle optimizations for mid range and low end hardware.
- Optimized some particle systems to improve performance on some hardware configurations.
- Made some small changes to the Demoman viewmodel that were causing performance problems.
April 29, 2008 Patch (Gold Rush Update)
- Improved particle performance on multi-core machines.
- Added LODs to the Huntsman, Direct Hit, Ambassador, Iron Curtain, Frontier Justice, German Gonzilla, Ghastlier Gibus, Tyrant's Helm, and Cheater's Lament.
- Updated several more models with optimizations and new LODs.
- Added LODs to the Buff Banner (flag), Eyelander, Flamethrower, Flare Gun, Brass Beast, Equalizer, and Scottish Resistance.
- [Undocumented] view and worldmodel versions of the Flamethrower were removed from the game files and replaced with a newer c_model variant.
- Updated several more models with optimizations and new LODs.
- Added LODs to the Black Box, Buff Banner (bugle), Degreaser, Blutsauger, Powerjack, Sandvich, Ubersaw and Jarate.
October 13, 2011 Patch (Manniversary Update & Sale)
- LOD models added to several older cosmetic items
- Added LODs for the Reggaelator.
- Added LODs for the Ghastly Gibus.
- Fixed a missing LOD on the Dispenser
- Fixed some Festive weapons using the lowest LOD for the first person view.
- Fixed The Swagman's Swatter not being held by the Sniper for lower LOD settings during the melee taunt